Madeleine West: Former Neighbours actor calls out man who rudely swore at her while shopping at Woolworths

Former Neighbours actor Madeleine West has publicly called out a man who she says verbally abused her while grocery shopping with her children at a Woolworths. The 46-year-old took to social media on Thursday to expose the man’s behaviour to her 120,000 Instagram followers after the upsetting altercation happened in Casino, New South Wales. The mother of seven explained that a couple recognised her in the supermarket and after the woman whispered “That’s Madeleine West”, she heard the man reply “Yeah. She looks like a f...ing b...h”. “To the guy at Casino Woollies,” she began her rant. “The one who muttered ‘Yeah. She looks like a fkn Witch’(but with a B instead of a W) when your partner whispered ‘That’s Madeleine West’ as you both passed me and bubs, wet and muddy, after a day exploring the bush. “I noticed you went to great lengths to suck your gut in and look surly when we queued behind you at the checkout. I almost said something, but realised my time was too precious to be wasted on an oxygen-thief like yourself.” Despite her harsh clap-back, she said “deep down” she knew the “neanderthal” was not really a threat and she wouldn’t hold a grudge. “In fact I was thinking of you as I added extra eye of newt to this morning’s Witches Brew. I’d suggest you try a daily cup of bone broth yourself, great for gut health, skin issues, cognition, but sadly it doesn’t cure stupid.” While the man’s comments left a sour taste in her mouth, West did take the time to acknowledge his “sweet wife”. “But I did share a dazzling smile with your sweet wife as she cooed over my bub. Because I am grateful,” she said. “Interactions like these fill me with joy, because they remind me of how lucky I am! I have my health, happy kids, and I don’t ever have to go home with a troglodyte like you.” West’s fans and friends flooded her Instagram post with messages of support after learning of her unsettling experience. “Your response was absolutely perfect,” one fan said. Another said: “Mads West you’re a legend. Love your energy & aura & your work.” “You are just amazing, love what you stand for and what you say,” a third added. The author, activist and podcaster gave birth to her seventh child in April 2025 with her partner Maximo Bottaro. She shares six children—daughters Phoenix, Xascha, Xanthe, and twins Xalia and Margaux, along with a son, Hendrix—with her ex-partner, celebrity chef Shannon Bennett. West is known for playing Dee Bliss on Neighbours from 2000 to 2003 and Andrea Somers from 2017 to 2020. She is also recognised for starring in Satisfaction, Underbelly, and House Husbands, and for her advocacy in child protection and online safety.